Prop antifoul recommendation Hamble

[matt1]

Hi

Am thinking of painting my prop for the first time - any recommendations on what works (& doesn't!) on the Hamble?

Any guidance on adherence and prep of the prop would also be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Neeves]

I cannot comment on the location - but frankly I don't think it matters.

The popular options are Velox, which we use, Trilux (which is the same chemistry (or similar) but lower concentration, Prop Speed or Prop Gold aka Prop One. Prop Speed and Prop One are silicone based.

Some find that the primer coat for Velox does not work - and use Hammerite.

In all cases part of the success is following the instructions, particularly abrading the prop and then keeping oily fingers off the prepared prop - so read and follow the instructions.

There are a number of threads on Prop Coatings - use the search facility and try 'Velox' and 'Prop antifoul'.

We find, this is in Sydney, that the Velox lasts as long as the anodes - which is a good schedule. We do need to occasionally clean the props - maybe once about half way through the life of the coating.

If you don't use your yacht very much - don't expect much success - you need to keep the prop clean, easiest done by running the engine. As soon as you get growth - it is impossible to stop not growing without physical removing it. The Silicone coatings work alright but if you damage the coating - it is not hard, then you will get growth round the damaged area - think of hitting something in the water. Prop Speed, is or was only sold to applicators, Prop One is sold to any Tom, Dick and presumably a 'Matt'. I'm a qualified applicator of Prop One (Big Deal!!) but we use Veleox. If you use a silicone coating and then change your mind you need to be meticulous in cleaning the prop as any traces of silicon mean nothing else will stick. A tin of Velox will coat the prop 3 or 4 times (seasons). We use Velox on our sail drives as well.

If you need to leave your yacht for a prolonged period, in the water, and don't mind diving - then a polythene bag round the prop does seem to work - but is a real hassle to apply and remove.

Happy New Year - best wishes for 2020.

Jonathan

 

[QBhoy]

I’d suggest none.

 

[goeasy123]

There's a youtube clip where an owner said that Prop Speed chipped along the leading edge exposing the edge to growth and corrosion. He went on to say he just used the same anti foul he used on the hull and that was more practical.

 

[ashtead]

Curious to know why you are painting prop ? We just polish and grease on lift out but tend to find small shells easily re moved. Is the desire to paint driven by a particular need ?

 

[matt1]

Curious to know why you are painting prop ? We just polish and grease on lift out but tend to find small shells easily re moved. Is the desire to paint driven by a particular need ?

Last boat’s prop was left unpainted but would have very stubborn “grass” attached to it by end of September when lifted out for the winter. New boat has a bigger prop and will be in the water much longer. Was very impressed when I saw a boat lifted at Hamble that had an antifouled prop. Hull was fouled but prop wasn’t

 

[ashtead]

Hi Matt 1 maybe this is a Hamble feature not found in Gosport but I guess you might ask at Destry marine at Hamble point what their approach is ? I guess there are others but does size impact fouling or is it down to how often prop is turned over ?

 

[vyv_cox]

My experience is that eroding hull antifoul paint does not last long on props. At the very least a hard scrubbable type might last longer.

 

[Bobc]

Don't waste your time or money.

 

[Cathy*]

We've tried and failed with various options including nothing, grease, and products advertised for props. Last year (April), following advice on this forum, we applied Hammerite special metals primer and velox topcoat. To date the props remain spotless. The boat will be lifted at the end of Feb for maintenance before a planned move from Plymouth to the Hamble this Summer. So I'm hoping that combination will be just as effective there.

 

[vyv_cox]

Last year (April), following advice on this forum, we applied Hammerite special metals primer and velox topcoat. To date the props remain spotless. The boat will be lifted at the end of Feb for maintenance before a planned move from Plymouth to the Hamble this Summer. So I'm hoping that combination will be just as effective there.

The combination has worked extremely well for us for six seasons now. But it was developed for the Mediterranean. A few users in various parts of UK have had disappointing performance from it but the majority seem to be happy.